Promoting fellowship, collaboration, and holistic development among future church leaders, the University of Northern Philippines’ Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) conducted a Team Building Activity for seminarians of the Immaculate Conception School of Theology (ICST) on August 8, 2026, at the ICST Grounds in Pantay Daya, Vigan City.
The activity was conducted in response to the formal request of Fr. Gerald Berme, ICST Human Formation Director, and Very Reverend Andres Nuesca, Jr., ICST Rector, who sought the continued support of the University of Northern Philippines in advancing the integral formation of seminarians. Anchored on the principles of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis and the Ratio Fundamentalis Sacerdotalis Nationalis, the initiative emphasized the vital role of human formation in developing seminarians’ character, interpersonal skills, collaborative capacity, and readiness to assume the responsibilities of ordained ministry. The partnership reflects the shared commitment of ICST and UNP in promoting well-rounded formation that complements academic and spiritual preparation for future pastoral service.
The University of Northern Philippines delegation was led by Dr. Marifel Acena, Head of Student Welfare Services, who coordinated and facilitated the activity, with Ms. Monique Tubera, Assistant Head of Services for Students with Special Needs and Persons with Disability Services, serving as the learning resource provider. They were supported by Mr. Froilan Unciano, Assistant Head of Social Community Involvement and Multi-Faith Services, and Dr. Precious Lyn Babida, Assistant Head for Admission Services, who assisted in facilitating the various activities.
Adding strength to the undertaking were OSAS personnel Kathlene de Castro, Ariza Quiocho, Charlene Calbero, Anne Kleire Rafanan, and Justinne Froi Batalang, together with private citizens Adriane Andongo, Marie Cris Mendoza, and Daisy Grantoza. Their combined efforts helped create an engaging and supportive environment for the seminarians, reinforcing the value of teamwork, interpersonal connection, and community support in the process of holistic human formation.
Through experiential exercises geared toward camaraderie, trust, and collaboration, the activity complemented ICST’s human formation program. It reaffirms UNP’s commitment to sustain its partnership with ICST and walk alongside seminarians in their journey toward wholehearted service and mission.
